Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Coupe / Convertible
Target Audience:
Discerning automotive enthusiasts seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 911, Jaguar XJS, Aston Martin DB7
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic, wedge-shaped profile, concealed headlamps, pillarless coupe design (on coupe models).
Engineering Highlights:
Advanced multi-link suspension, powerful V8 and V12 engines, extensive use of advanced materials for its era.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic & ABS)
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, On-Board Computer (OBC), Body Electronics, Power Accessories (Windows, Seats, Mirrors)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault Finding, Troubleshooting Procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements
Major Repairs:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul
Electrical Repairs:
Wiring Harness Repair, Component Testing, Sensor Replacement, Module Diagnostics
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Coverage:
Advanced: Includes detailed procedures for using BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS).
Engine 1 Variant:
4.4L V8 (M62B44)
Engine 1 Configuration:
90-degree V8, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine 1 Displacement Liters:
4.4
Engine 1 Horsepower Hp:
282
Engine 1 Torque Lb Ft:
310
Engine 2 Variant:
5.4L V12 (M73B54)
Engine 2 Configuration:
60-degree V12, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine 2 Displacement Liters:
5.4
Engine 2 Horsepower Hp:
326
Engine 2 Torque Lb Ft:
361
Engine 3 Variant:
5.6L V12 (S70/2 - 850CSi)
Engine 3 Configuration:
60-degree V12, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine 3 Displacement Liters:
5.6
Engine 3 Horsepower Hp:
375
Engine 3 Torque Lb Ft:
413
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Transmission Type 840Ci:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission Type 850Ci:
6-speed Manual (limited availability)
Transmission Type 850Csi:
6-speed Manual
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard on 850CSi, optional on others
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Fluid (or SAE 75W-90 GL-4)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated for 1999, but BMW's safety engineering standards were high for the era.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) standard on most models
Stability Control:
Part of ASC+T system
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage design.
Head Unit:
BMW Business RDS or Professional RDS radio with cassette player and CD changer capability.
Display:
Multi-function display (MFD) in dashboard for OBC, radio, and climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC).
Telephone:
Optional integrated car phone system.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System (MK I/II).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (condition based service - CBS)
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 60,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement V12:
Approx. 50,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years
Engine Oil V8:
BMW Longlife-98 5W-40 Synthetic (or equivalent API SJ/CF, ACEA A3/B3)
Engine Oil V12:
BMW Longlife-98 5W-40 Synthetic (or equivalent API SJ/CF, ACEA A3/B3)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant pipes can become brittle, water pump failure.
Electrical Components:
Window regulators, central locking system, headlight motors can fail. Age-related wiring degradation.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear self-leveling suspension (on some models) can wear.
Idle Control V8:
V8 engines can experience rough idle due to vacuum leaks or MAF sensor issues.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and O-rings can degrade and leak.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Heritage Focus:
Performance, luxury, engineering innovation, motorsport success.
Generation:
E31 (First and only generation of the 8 Series Coupe/Convertible until the F12/F13 generation)
Development Goal:
To create BMW's flagship grand tourer, showcasing advanced technology and design, competing with European luxury GTs.
Production Years E31:
1989-1999
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Total Production Units E31:
30,621